Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (October 7, 2021) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is proud to announce that its 12-member team for the 32nd Philadelphia Challenge Matches has been finalized. The competition, played annually between top Philadelphia PGA of America Golf Professionals and Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP) amateurs, is slated to take place on Tuesday, October 15 on Saucon Valley Country Club’s Grace Course in Bethlehem, Pa. Braden Shattuck, PGA, the 2023 Philadelphia PGA Rolex / Haverford Trust Company Player of the Year and 2024 PGA Championship Low Club Professional, will lead the Section’s team as captain for the second year in a row.

The Philadelphia Challenge Matches would not be possible without the support and energy of Robin McCool. McCool was instrumental in getting the matches started 32 years ago and revitalizing them by bringing in support from Jim Wilson of Ping, Jim Ravina of Donald Ross, and our host facility, Saucon Valley C.C. McCool serves as the honorary captain for the GAP team and serves as honorary chair of the event. Everyone owes Robin a debt of gratitude for all of his efforts.

The 12 PGA Professionals representing the Philadelphia PGA Section include:

Braden Shattuck, PGA (C)
Rolling Green Golf Club

Trevor Bensel, PGA
Sandy Run Country Club

Brian Bergstol, PGA
Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort

Brian Kelly, PGA
Titleist Fit Crew 

Danny Lewis, PGA
Philadelphia Cricket Club

Michael Little, PGA
Clubhouse 54

Zac Oakley, PGA
Bidermann Golf Club

John Pillar, PGA
Country Club at Woodloch Springs

Daver Quinn, PGA
Laurel Creek Country Club

Anthony Sebastianelli
Rolling Green Golf Club

Mark Sheftic, PGA
Sunnybrook Golf Club

Brett Walker, PGA
Chester Valley Golf Club

Philadelphia PGA Challenge Matches Team

Captain Braden Shattuck, PGA, Rolling Green Golf Club – Shattuck is the twice-defending Philadelphia PGA Rolex / Haverford Trust Company Player of the Year, and currently leads this season’s race by nearly 1,500 points. In addition to his three Section wins in 2024 (Delaware Valley Open, Conestoga Classic, and Jack Jolly & Son Championship), Shattuck earned Low Club Professional honors at this year’s PGA Championship in Kentucky, and leads the race for the F. Edward DeBaufre Trophy with a scoring average of 68.10. At the Delaware Valley Open, he set a new Bellewood Country Club course record: 8-under-par 63. Shattuck also finished tied for 16th in the 2024 PGA Professional Championship in Texas. In eight Section starts this season, he has finished outside the top four only once.

Trevor Bensel, PGA, Sandy Run Country Club – Bensel is currently second in the Section Player of the Year race, and fifth in the DeBaufre Scoring Average rankings with 70.36. Bensel competed in the 2024 PGA Professional Championship, finishing tied for 26th. In 11 Section starts in 2024, he has finished in the top five eight times.

Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort – Bergstol had a hot start to his Section season, tying the course record at Tavistock Country Club, an 8-under-par 64, en route to winning the TaylorMade Classic and the first Silvercrest Cup bonus of the season. He finished second in the season-long Silvercrest Cup standings and is currently in sixth place in the Section’s Player of the Year race and ninth on the DeFaufre Scoring Average list with an average of 70.78.

Brian Kelly, Titleist Fit Crew – Kelly currently sits in the third position on the Section’s Robert “Skee” Riegel Senior Player of the Year points list, thanks in part to his eight top five finishes. He also finds himself third in the Central Counties Chapter Player of the Year race having won the Chapter Championship and the Chapter’s event at the GALV Lehigh Valley Open.

Danny Lewis, PGA, Philadelphia Cricket Club – Lewis is currently eighth in the Section’s Player of the Year race, and 10th on the DeBaufre Scoring Average list, with an average of 71.50. He has four top-10 finishes in Section events this season, in addition to tying for fourth place in the 2024 Philadelphia Open Championship.

Michael Little, PGA, Clubhouse 54 – A two-time Philadelphia PGA Player of the Year (2016, 2020), Little is no stranger to the Challenge Matches. In 2024, Little has entered the winner’s circle twice, at the Pro-Am for Wishes and A.B. Thorn Memorial Pro-Am, and has another nine top 10 finishes. He is currently tied for fifth place in the DeBaufre Scoring Average race, at 70.44.

Zac Oakley, PGA, Bidermann Golf Club – Oakley is fresh off winning his third Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship, having won the final match on Merion Golf Club’s East Course one week after winning the 2024 Philadelphia Players Championship at Lookaway. He competed in his second major championship in May at the PGA Championship, qualifying from his tie for eighth place at the 2024 PGA Professional Championship. Oakley is second only to Shattuck in the Player of the Year race, and is in the fourth position for the DeBaufre Scoring Average with a 70.14.

John Pillar, PGA, Country Club at Woodloch Springs – Pillar had a hot start to his summer, winning the 26th Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic and its $100,000 first-place prize, and the 2024 Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Championship. Pillar also made both cuts in this year’s Senior PGA Professional Championship in Oregon. He is in first place in the Robert “Skee” Riegel Senior Player of the Year race, thanks to his four Senior Division victories.

Dave Quinn, PGA, Laurel Creek Country Club – Quinn is currently 11th in the Section’s Player of the Year competition, thanks in part to his win at the Section’s Fall Pro-Pro Championship and his nine other top 10 finishes.

Anthony Sebastianelli, Rolling Green Golf Club – Sebastianelli is having a break-out year, having won four times, including this year’s Silvercrest Cup and its $15,000 winner’s check. He is fifth in the Player of the Year standings, second in the DeBaufre Scoring Average, and is leading the Philadelphia Assistants’ Organization (PAO) Player of the Year competition.

Mark Sheftic, PGA, Sunnybrook Golf Club – Sheftic is 10th on the Section’s Player of the Year list, and has realized four top 10 finishes this season. His highest finishes this season were at the Pro-Am for Wishes (T3) and the Match Play Championship (semi-finalist).

Brett Walker, Chester Valley Golf Club – Walker returned to the Philadelphia PGA Section this season, and wasted no time to get back to the winner’s circle, by winning his second Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship and the William Hyndman III Memorial Classic. He is seventh on the DeBaufre Scoring Average list at 70.45.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this press release listed an incorrect date for the Challenge Matches, which is scheduled for October 15. Additionally, Mark Sheftic, PGA, and Dave Quinn, PGA, have replaced Zach Barbin and Mike Meisenzahlm PGA.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (October 2, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professional, Joanna Coe of Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa., will be competing in her third consecutive Women’s PGA Cup. Coe, fresh off her victory earlier this year at the Women’s Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship, will join four other female PGA Professionals from across the country to compete at the Sunriver Resort in Sunriver, Oregon. The team captain is PGA of America President, John Lindert, the PGA Director of Golf at the Country Club of Lansing.

The Women’s PGA Cup is a biennial international competition, founded in 2019, among teams from the U.S., Australia, Canada, Great Britain & Ireland, South Africa and Sweden. The U.S. team hopes to retain the cup for the third time in a row. Tee times will begin Thursday, October 3 at 10:00 a.m.

To keep up with live results for the Women’s PGA Cup, visit here.
2024 U.S. Women’s PGA Cup Team
Joanna Coe
Merion Golf Club
Philadelphia PGA Section

Sandra Changkija
LPGA Foundation
North Florida PGA Section

Stephanie Connelly Eiswerth
San Jose Country Club
North Florida PGA Section

Ashley Grier
Yinglings Golf Center
Middle Atlantic PGA Section

Allie Knight
Fairways and Greens Golf Center
Tennessee PGA Section

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com

Ardmore, Pa. (October 2, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professional Zac Oakley of Bidermann Golf Club in Wilmington, Del., defeated Dave Pagett of Whitemarsh Valley C.C. in Plymouth Meeting, Pa., 6 and 5 to win the 2024 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship on his favorite course, Merion Golf Club’s famed East Course

“I knew Dave [Pagett] was going to be a tough match,” Oakley said following his round. “He took out our Section’s best player this year (Braden Shattuck, PGA), so I knew he was going to be hard to beat.

“I hit the ball solidly today, hitting greens and fairways. My speed on the greens was good, and my caddie, Steve, gave me a few good reads too.”

Oakley, who received a first-round bye, survived six rounds of matches against 120 of his fellow PGA Professionals in the season-long format. He bettered Anthony Hoffman, John F. Byrne G.C.; Pat Butkus, Whitford C.C.; Matthew Durham, Merion G.C.; Trevor Bensel, Sandy Run C.C.; and Pagett en route to his victory today.

Oakley was due to play against Merion G.C.’s Joanna Coe, and Pagett was to see Sunnybrook G.C.’s Mark Sheftic in the semi-finals, but both Coe and Sheftic conceded due scheduling conflicts.

This is Oakley’s third Match Play victory, having previously won in 2021 at the Steel Club and 2019 at Lookaway Golf Club.

“I love match play,” Oakley continued. “It takes the anxiety and tension out on each hole; there’s always the next hole. Using momentum to your advantage is important in match play, and I think I did a pretty good job of keeping my momentum going today.”

Oakley went on to thank Merion Golf Club, their PGA Head Golf Professional Scott Nye, the club’s entire staff, the Section, and Dave Pagett.

To view the full 2024 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship results, click here.

The 2024 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship is supported by Rolex and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Merion Golf Club, their members, management, host PGA Professionals, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com

Lancaster, Pa. (September 26, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professional Michael Little of Clubhouse 54 in North Wales, Pa., and his amateur partner Buddy Hansen, turned in a team score of 5-under-par 65 at Lancaster Country Club to win the 2024 A.B. Thorn Memorial Pro-Am by one stroke over Peter Clarke, Manufacturers’ G. & C.C., and Andy Beittel.

The annual tournament was first played in 1936 under the moniker “Lancaster Pro-Am,” and has since changed to its current name to memorialize A.B. Thorn, Lancaster’s former PGA Head Professional, who also held the Section’s first vice president position in 1942-1944.

Little and Hansen combined for seven team birdies and two bogies in the Four-Ball Better Ball of Partners format. Little made five birdies with his own golf ball, with Hansen making two of his own.

Two teams tied for third place at 3-under-par: John Lynch, Bidermann G.C., and Jay Whitby; and Bill Kindoll, LedgeRock G.C., and Brock Kovach. Four teams tied for fifth place at 2-under-par, including Michael Chanaud, Peninsula G. & C.C., and Roy Kiscaden; Robert Fenton, Sunnybrook G.C., and Marc Mandel; Andy Stewart, Bon Air C.C., and Justin Henry; and Jeff Fick, Moselem Springs G.C., and Brandon Raihl.

To view the full 2024 A.B. Thorn Memorial Pro-Am leaderboard, click here.

The 2024 A.B. Thorn Memorial Pro-Am is presented by Noble Advisors, Penfold Golf, and Ohana Farm LLC. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Lancaster Country Club, their members, management, host PGA Professionals, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (September 25, 2024) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is happy to announce a new partnership with Noble Advisors, an investment company that focuses on various aspects of real estate.

As part of the agreement, Noble Advisors will sponsor the 2024 A.B. Thorn Memorial Pro-Am on Thursday, September 26, at Lancaster (Pa.) Country Club, site of the 2015 and 2024 U.S. Women’s Open Championship.

“We are fortunate to bring Noble Advisors into our partnership family,” said Philadelphia PGA Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA. “Their support will help improve one of our most popular pro-ams, and boost the prize purse for both our PGA of America Golf Professionals and their amateur partners.”

“The company’s owners are members at Lancaster Country Club,” said Noble’s Investor Relations Officer Terry Hertzog, PGA, “so it makes a lot of sense for us to partner with the Section and the A.B. Thorn event.”

About Noble Advisors
Founded in 1992, Noble Advisors is an investment company that focuses on various aspects of real estate, now managing over $125 million of capital.  The Noble Group has three main focuses: Private Lending for business loans secured by real estate; the acquisition of performing and non-performing mortgage loans secured by real estate; and the purchase, renovation and sale of single-family residential properties.  To learn more or inquire about investing, contact Terry Hertzog at (717) 271-8317. To learn more, visit nobleweb.com.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com

Buckingham, Pa. (September 23, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professional Zac Oakley of Bidermann Golf Club in Wilmington, Del., turned in a 7-under-par 65 at Lookaway Golf Club to win the 2024 Philadelphia Players Championship by three strokes over a plethora of talented golfers.

Oakley made a strong statement on his front nine, carding two eagles, two birdies and no bogies. He held steady on his back nine, making two birdies and only one bogey to propel him to victory.

“This is a signature event for our Section,” Oakley said after his round. “You always want to win one of the big ones. I’m happy with how I played, and am proud of my round today against the best PGA Professionals in our Section.”

Oakley went on to thank his family, Scott and Karen Hutchinson, Lookaway Golf Club, Levelwear, Strackaline, and the Secton.

The championship’s presenting partner, Scott and Karen Hutchinson have helped to make the event’s purse one of the Section’s largest, at nearly $29,000, with $5,000 going to the champion.

Eight PGA Professionals tied for second place at 4-under-par: Kyle Early, Waynesborough C.C.; Dave McNabb, Applebrook G.C.: Rich Steinmetz, Spring Ford C.C.; Andrew Cornish, Cedarbrook C.C.; Brian Bergstol, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort; Braden Shattuck, Rolling Green G.C.; Mark Parson, Harbor Pines G.C.; and Brian Buskirk, HoneyBrook Golf Club.

Three PGA Professionals tied for first place at 4-under in the Senior Division: Dave McNabb, Rich Steinmetz, and Mark Parson. Fourth place went to Dave Quinn, Laurel Creek C.C., who was only one stroke back. Overbrook G.C.’s Eric Kennedy rounded out the top five at 1-under-par.

To view the full 2024 Philadelphia Players Championship leaderboard, click here.

The 2024 Philadelphia Players Championship is presented by Scott & Karen Hutchinson, and is supported by Levelwear and StrackaLine. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our host, Lookaway Golf Club, their members, management, host PGA Professionals, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com

Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (September 18, 2024) — The Philadelphia PGA Section is happy to have Penfold Golf sign as a new partner for the 2024 season. Penfold Golf is a British company specializing in golf balls, accessories and equipment.

They will be a sponsor for the A.B. Thorn Memorial Pro-Am on September 26, 2024 at Lancaster C.C. They also extend their support to the Philadelphia PGA Junior Tour.

We are excited to have Penfold Golf sign with us this season” said Section Executive Director Geoff Surrette, PGA. “It’s really great to have a local company support the Section and our programs. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with Gavin and his team at Penfold!”

“We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with the Philadelphia PGA section. As an official licensee of the PGA of America, it’s crucial for us to connect closely with PGA Professionals and local sections,” said Gavin Perrett, CEO of Penfold Golf. “Philadelphia, where our US base is located—with myself residing in Havertown and our distribution center in East Falls—holds special significance. Known for its robust golf scene and passionate golfers, Philadelphia is an ideal starting point for Penfold as a genuine golf brand with an authentic heritage in the game.”

About Penfold Golf
Penfold Golf is a company founded in 1927 who specializing in golf balls, equipment and iconic accessories. They are dedicated to balancing the unique style and performance of their products, while keeping their rich history alive.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com

Mount Laurel Township, N.J. (September 18, 2024) — PGA of America Golf Professionals Joanna Coe, Merion G.C.; Dave Pagett, Whitemarsh Valley C.C.; Zac Oakley, Bidermann G.C.; and Mark Sheftic, Sunnybrook G.C.; have each advanced to the semi-final matches of the 2024 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship, and are all that remain of the 120 PGA Professionals who have been competing in the event since May. The semi-final and final matches are scheduled for Wednesday, October 2 at the famed Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa.

Sixteen PGA Professionals began their day at Laurel Creek Country Club to vie for the four semi-final slots. Tavistock C.C.’s Mike Meisenzahl, PGA, defeated defending champion Michael Little, Clubhouse 54, 1-up, in the Dick Smith Sr. Bracket. Reigning Women’s Philadelphia PGA Professional Champion Joanna Coe bettered this year’s Philadelphia Senior PGA Professional Champion, John Pillar, C.C. at Woodloch Springs, 6 and 4. In the Art Wall Bracket, Zac Oakley defeated Merion G.C.’s Matthew Durham 1up, while Alex Knoll, Glen Brook G.C., conceded his match to Trevor Bensel, Sandy Run C.C.

Rolling Green G.C.’s Braden Shattuck, PGA, topped Laurel Creek C.C.’s Dave Quinn, PGA, 3 and 2, in the Ed Dougherty Bracket, while Dave Pagett, Whitemarsh Valley C.C., defeated Patrick Allgeier, Aronimink G.C., 2 and 1. In the Henry Williams Bracket, DuPont C.C.’s Matt Finger defeated Merion G.C.’s Grant Gardiner 5 and 3. Mark Sheftic, Sunnybrook G.C., bested the University of Delaware’s Brendon Post 3 and 2.

Joanna Coe claimed victory in the Round of 8, topping Mike Meisenzahl 2 and 1. Zac Oakley, the 2023 Philadelphia PGA Professional Champion, defeated Trevor Bensel 3 and 2. Dave Pagett bettered Braden Shattuck 2-up, and Mark Sheftic beat Matt Finger 5 and 3, to earn their spots in the semi-finals.

Coe will face off against Oakley in the semi-finals at Merion G.C. on October 2, followed by the match of Pagett vs. Sheftic. The winners will meet in the final match that afternoon.

To view the full 2024 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship results, click here.

The 2024 Philadelphia PGA Match Play Championship is supported by Rolex and the PGA Tour. The Philadelphia PGA Section and its PGA Professionals thank our Round of 16 and Round of 8 host, Laurel Creek Country Club, their members, management, host PGA Professionals, and staff, as well as our partners, as the event would not have been possible without their support.

About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.

Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Communications Director, mfrey@pgahq.com